What it means to be a Delegate
A Delegate is a trusted person who may be contacted if someone goes unusually quiet. The role is straightforward, voluntary, and always completely free. Most Delegates are rarely contacted at all.
What a Delegate is
Y.O.D.O. helps people set up regular Check-ins. If someone does not respond to their scheduled Check-in, the service may contact a trusted person to see if everything is all right. That person is a Delegate.
In more serious situations, a Delegate may also be involved if a passing is reported through the service. This is a structured process with safeguards, and you would be guided through each step.
What this looks like in practice
Most of the time, you will not hear from us. Successful Check-ins are completely silent. When Delegates are contacted, the most common action is simply confirming the person is fine. There is no monitoring, no schedule to keep, and no obligation to be available at all times.
Why you may have been invited
Someone who trusts you has named you as their Delegate. This means they would like you to be contacted if they go unusually quiet, or if something more serious needs attention. Accepting is entirely your choice, and you can change your mind at any time.
You do not need a paid account. The Delegate role is always completely free. You will need to create an account and verify your phone number once to confirm your identity.
What you may be asked to do
If you are contacted, it will be by email with clear options. You choose the one that fits the situation. There are three possible actions:
Confirm they are OK
Let us know you have been in touch and they are fine. A brief note is required. This is the most common action Delegates take.
Request a Care Pause
Temporarily pause Check-ins if there is a valid reason, such as a hospital stay or planned absence. Lasts 15 or 30 days.
Start a Status Check
If you have a serious concern, you can request an additional Check-in, alert other Delegates, or begin reporting a passing. Each step requires identity verification and gives other Delegates time to respond. Y.O.D.O. also conducts its own review. Raise a Concern guide
What a Delegate cannot see or do
The Delegate role is deliberately limited. You can help without needing access to private information. You can see the Account Holder's name, their current status, and when they last checked in. You cannot access:
- Private messages, drafts, or any message content
- Files, voice recordings, videos, or other stored media
- Billing information, account settings, or location data
Delegates never see private messages. Messages are delivered only to named Recipients through a separate, verified process. If you are also named as a Recipient, that is an independent role with its own access rules.
How your privacy is protected
Visibility to other Delegates
By default, other Delegates cannot see your name. The Account Holder can enable Delegate visibility to help with coordination, but you can choose to remain hidden regardless of the Account Holder's setting.
Contact sharing
You can choose whether to share your contact details (email or phone) with other Delegates. This is entirely optional and controlled by you.
Notifications
You are only contacted when something may need your attention. Successful Check-ins are silent. You will not receive routine updates or marketing.
You are always free to say no
You can decline an invitation without giving a reason. If you have already accepted, you can withdraw at any time. The Account Holder will be notified so they can invite someone else. There is no penalty or obligation.
Common questions
No one to nominate?
Many people find it difficult to identify a Delegate, and that is completely normal. You do not need to be close to someone for them to fulfil this role. You just need to trust them.
Trusted professionals
A solicitor, notary, faith leader, or long-standing GP may be willing to act as your Delegate. They do not need to know you personally.
Befriending organisations
Charities like Age UK, Re-engage, and The Silver Line connect people with volunteers who may be suitable Delegates.
Acquaintances and neighbours
A neighbour, colleague, or community contact can serve as a Delegate. The role is lightweight and does not require a deep relationship.
Y.O.D.O. is not affiliated with these organisations. Listing them does not constitute an endorsement.
Remember: Delegates never see your private messages or personal content. Their role is simply to respond if contacted.
Continue learning
Explore related guides to understand the full picture.